Monthly Archives: November 2012

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Darrell Royal passed away earlier today at the age of 88. Evan Smith interviewed him for Texas Monthly Talks in 2004. When the show originally aired, Evan’s into said this about Royal:
National Football Hall of Fame member Darrell Royal is the winningest coach in University of Texas football history. Royal took over as head coach in December of 1956, and achieved success almost instantaneously. The team went from a 1-9 season in 1956 to a 6-3-1 season in 1957. In Royal’s 20 years as as head coach, UT never had a losing season. With Royal at the helm, UT won three national championships, won or shared 11 Southwest Conference championships, and made 16 bowl appearances. Royal is also known as a great innovator. He introduced two key changes to college football — the “flip-flop” and the wishbone formation backfield. Royal is also known for his commitment to the academic success of his players. He was the first coach in the nation to employ an academic counselor, and four out of five of his players went on to earn their degree. Starting in 1962, Royal also served as athletics director for UT. He retired from coaching in 1976, and remained director of athletics until 1980. He now serves as special assistant to the university president on athletic programs.” – Evan Smith, Texas Monthly Talks, Broadcast 5.13.04

In honor of Veterans Day, KLRU-Q will be airing a full day of programs dedicated to the troops who have served our country. Tune in on Sunday, November 11 starting just after noon.

12:30 – Texas Burning: A Lone Star Salute to Our Troops
Texas Burning: A Lone Star Salute to Our Troops is a concert originating from deep in the heart of San Antonio. With a diverse line-up of seven talented artists, it’s “Texas music” in a whole new light. Taped just before opening of the Center for the Intrepid rehab facility for seriously wounded troops, this concert features remarkable performances in a variety of genres: Americana, Blues, Reggae, Latin, Rock, Pop and Folk. An inspirational grand finale, featuring all artists on-stage, highlights this unforgettable night of music.

1:30 – Veterans Day 11.11.11
“Veterans Day 11.11.11.” is a nationwide “day in the life” exploration of what it means to be a military veteran in the United States. Award winning Director John C.P. Goheen reached out to more than 40 of the country’s most accomplished video storytellers, many of them national “Photographer of the Year” award winners, asking them to volunteer their time and talent to produce a series of profiles about the service shared by all veterans and the ultimate sacrifices made by many. Every story in the movie contains elements shot on Veterans Day 2011, 11.11.11.

3:00 – Battle of Midway
On June 4, 1942 – just six months after Pearl Harbor – the massed forces of the US and Japanese fleets met for a decisive showdown. Thanks to both sides’ use of a relatively new piece of technology – the aircraft carrier – this battle would be decided without the ships of either fleet ever coming within sight of each other. At Midway, America’s carrier pilots destroyed Japan’s best ships and killed nearly four thousand men – the cream of Japan’s naval elite. It was a blow the Japanese would never recover from, making the outcome of the conflict in the Pacific virtually inevitable and releasing precious American military resources for the conflict in Europe.

4:00 – Navy Heroes of Normandy
On June 6, 1944, more than 52,000 American sailors on board thousands of ships arrived off a quiet stretch of coast in Normandy, France. Operation Neptune-Overlord was the largest amphibious and landing assault operation in the history of war. On this historic day, the U. S. Navy would prove critical to the success of the Allied invasion of Western Europe. NAVY HEROES OF NORMANDY spotlights a dedicated group of Navy veterans who set out to ensure that the crucial role they played on that day would never be forgotten.

5:00 – American Road to Victory #101, “The Americans on D-Day”
Join battlefield historian Ellwood von Seibold in his 1943 Dodge Command car as he takes us on a tour of the American D-Day landings in real time. Listen to the men who were there, land in Saint Mere Eglise with the 82nd Airborne, scale the cliffs at La Pointe du Hoc with the Rangers, wade through the surf on Omaha Beach with the Big Red One and the 29th Infantry Division, and take the guns at Brecourt Manor with Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment. See the uniforms they wore, the weapons they fired, and the equipment they carried. Live that “Day of Days.”

6:00 – American Road to Victory #102, “The Americans on Hell’s Highway”
For the first time ever, we have an in depth explanation of how all American objectives in this campaign were achieved, even though the operation in it’s entirety failed, and the British 1st Airborne at Arnhem were cut to shreds. The lightning actions of the two American airborne divisions come to life though blended archival footage, re-enactment and special effects. We hear how they parachuted in daylight on September 17th, 1944, seized and held their targets. These brave Americans fought battle hardened Germans who were committed to a ferocious fight on the borders of their Fatherland.

7:00 – American Road to Victory #10e, “The Americans in the Bulge”
Battlefield tour guide Ellwood Von Siebold takes us on a tour the frozen Ardennes Forests to Malmedy, Saint Vith, and Bastogne. Learn how the gallant actions of the US forces surprised the NAZI plan to encircle and destroy the Allied armies. Witness vignettes of individual gallantry, illustrated though blended archival footage, re-enactment and special effects. Visit the actual frozen foxholes and fog shrouded hills where we hear soldiers describe the unimaginable conditions of winter war.

8:30 – Unforgettable: The Korean War
Korean War veterans recount their memories of America in the late 1940s and early 1950s, when young men from all over the country were being shipped off to defend South Korea against the advancing Red Army in the north. UNFORGETTABLE: THE KOREAN WAR recalls the “un-won” war that never ended…no one even wanted to call it a war: it was “the Korean conflict” or a “police action.” Finally, it was called the Forgotten War. No matter the name, the Korean War killed tens of thousands of U.S. soldiers and affected many more lives at home.

9:30 – Vietnam War Stories
Three million Americans served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. Most veterans are reluctant to speak of war experiences, but Vietnam veterans have been even more reluctant because of the controversy surrounding their war and the often hostile reception on their return. They put away their uniforms and tried to put away their memories, but these are memories that cannot be put away. “Vietnam War Stories” shares these personal memories of service and sacrifice, and gives us insight into the experience of war.

10:30 – As Long As I Remember: American Veteranos
AS LONG AS I REMEMBER: AMERICAN VETERANOS examines the steep personal toll and enduring legacy of the Vietnam War on three artists from south Texas: visual artist Juan Farias, author Michael Rodriguez and actor/poet Eduardo Garza. Through the personal histories and experiences of these Chicano veterans, the film examines the role art plays in the sorting of memories, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), activism and the current conflict in Iraq. AS LONG AS I REMEMBER chronicles their upbringing in the Mexican-American community, their military service in Vietnam, and their lives after the war. Farias, Rodriguez and Garza’s poignant and powerful recollections illuminate the minority experience in the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps at a time when Mexican Americans accounted for approximately 20 percent of U.S. casualties in Vietnam, despite comprising only 10 percent of the country’s population.

11:30 – Texas Burning: A Lone Star Salute to Our Troops
Texas Burning: A Lone Star Salute to Our Troops is a concert originating from deep in the heart of San Antonio. With a diverse line-up of seven talented artists, it’s “Texas music” in a whole new light. Taped just before opening of the Center for the Intrepid rehab facility for seriously wounded troops, this concert features remarkable performances in a variety of genres: Americana, Blues, Reggae, Latin, Rock, Pop and Folk. An inspirational grand finale, featuring all artists on-stage, highlights this unforgettable night of music.

Please join KLRU’s Overheard with Evan Smith for an interview with Fran LebowitzDATE: November 14TIME: 2:30 pm. (doors open at 2 pm)LOCATION: KLRU’s Studio 6A (map).
RSVP: The event is free but an RSVP is required. RSVP now

It’s been written that cultural satirist Fran Lebowitz “disapproves of virtually everything except sleep, cigarette smoking, and good furniture.” And that’s precisely what makes listening to her so much fun. The UT Performing Arts Center is bringing Lebowitz to town, to speak with Frank Rich about the election results. Join us for a post-election conversation with the woman who’s been called the heir to Dorothy Parker.

We hope you’ll be there as Overheard with Evan Smith begins a third season of great conversation with fascinating people, always on the news and always with a sense of humor. The show features in-depth interviews with a mix of guests from politics, the arts, literature, journalism, business, sports and more, and reaches PBS viewers from California to Florida. We’d love to see you in the studio for the interview, and for a chance to join the audience Q&A after the interview.

Working with “Hummingbirds” producer Ann Prum, NATURE features another popular, beautiful and fascinating bird – the duck. The story follows a wood duck family and discovers how a male and female create a bond, migrate together across thousands of miles, nurture and protect a brood of chicks and come full circle as they head to their wintering grounds. But our stars are just one of some 150 species of ducks. They come in all shapes and sizes and abilities – some are dabblers popping in and out of the surface of a glass lake and others swim with powerful webbed feet underwater. They fly through the air on short, stubby wings, traveling in large, energy-efficient formations over thousands of miles. Some are noisy and gregarious, others shy and elusive.

Ducks are ancient creatures. True originals, ducks practice habitual lifestyles that have been essential to their evolutionary success for millions of years. There are more than 120 different species of ducks—many with delightful names like “Buffleheads,” “Shovelers,” and “Woodies” that embody their charming personalities and curious mannerisms. Despite the glorious display of their iridescent feathers, these webbed-footed waterfowl maintain a reputation for being clumsy and awkward. But in reality they are surprisingly athletic birds; some have been clocked flying almost 100 mph, allowing them to outpace eagles and hawks. Ducks have an uncanny knack for survival, and their exuberant behavior never ceases to entertain. Take to the skies with a flock of green-winged Teal. Watch Wood ducks raise a family. Learn why Goldeneyes head north in the winter. Each bird is unique, full of surprises, and will leave you eager to learn more.

As your PBS station, it is KLRU’s mission to bring people together around important issues. KLRU does this through various educational and outreach initiatives. Our newest effort is a national collaboration called Next Avenue that features resources and an online discussion of issues facing those 50+. As part of that project we are also airing, Growing Bolder Sundays at 10:30 am on KLRU. Growing Bolder delivers empowering stories that inspire audiences of all ages to believe that it’s never too late to achieve their dreams. It features stories of masters athletes, cancer survivors, musicians, health experts, entrepreneurs and more.

Upcoming episodes:

11/4: “Little Miracles”
Three Promises – One moment Carolyn and Chad Moor were celebrating their love. The next, he lay dying, the victim of a hit-and-run car accident. During their final moments, Carolyn made three promises that she’s spent many years and tears trying to keep. Hers is a story of Growing Bolder in the face of heartbreaking loss. See how she learned to live and even laugh again and how her story even caught the attention of Oprah Winfrey. Enjoying Life’s Little Miracles – She’s not really an athlete. She’s a retired biologist who loves adventure. That’s why 96-year-old Mary Anne Cooper traveled from British Columbia to Arizona to compete in the U.S. Masters Swimming National Championships. Mary Anne isn’t trying to be a role model or set an example, but with every stroke, she’s doing just that. She even inspired her 70-year-old daughter to also compete at Nationals. Free Throw King – Andy McGuffin is the best there is. Mr. Automatic. The Free Throw King once made 400 in a row. Bill Shafer goes one-on-one with Andy to learn the secrets to his success.

11/11: “Head Of The Pack”
From Mission Trips to Mission Statements – More and more Americans are taking a page from Paul Newman’s book and starting a social enterprise — a business you love as a means to helping others. After many mission trips, Jane Hursh felt obligated to share the blessings of her life. So she turned to a lifelong love — baking cookies. Now with her shortbread, biscotti and granola, Jane is using something sweet to change bitter circumstances. 97 Years of Saving Lives – At the time, it was just a simple, selfless act. The right thing to do. Seventy years later, a young Army captain’s good idea is responsible for saving countless lives. It was just one incident in the long, rewarding life of Dr. Norman Wall, who is one of the most compelling, relevant and fascinating 97-year-olds on the planet. Soaring to New Heights – The best glider pilots in North America over the age of 55 recently gathered to compete in the Senior Soaring National Championships. Former fighter pilots and commercial airline pilots call soaring the greatest test of all. How can a 2,000 pound plane with no engine stay aloft for hours flying at 65 miles per hour? Growing Bolder stopped by the final practice round to find out.

11/18: “Find Your Fans”
Why Red Green is White Hot – “The Red Green Show” was one of the longest running series on television. But, years after ending production, the world’s most inventive handyman is still in demand! We caught up with Steve Smith as he embarks on the Wit and Wisdom Tour to find out what makes Red one of TV’s most endearing characters. Ann’s Fans – With all due respect to the dozen former Olympians and more than 1,000 other competitors, the swimmer with the largest and loudest fan support at the U.S. Masters Swimming national championships was a 71-year-old woman from Minnesota named Ann. What’s her story? Find out how she’s inspiring everyone who meets her to keep chasing dreams and to never, ever give up. The Story of Ruth: An Amazing Life – It’s hard to say that a 109-year-old died too soon. But Ruth Hamilton led a full and amazing life. She was simply amazing. Just some of the highlights, she was married to a Major League Baseball player, she was one of the first women to host a radio show, in 1937 she came face to face with Hitler and tried to warn the world, she was the first woman elected to the Legislature from New Hampshire, and those are just a few of the things that made Ruth a national treasure.

11/25: “Boomer Babes”
Big River Man – The world’s most prolific endurance swimmer is 53-year-old Martin Strel, a man you’ve probably never heard of. Strel once swam for 84 hours non-stop covering miles 313 miles in the Danube River. His most famous swim is the entire length of the Amazon — the largest, longest and the most dangerous river in the world. Strel swam 3,278 miles in 66 days through waters that are home to bull sharks, piranha, stingrays, anacondas, electric eels, crocodiles, poisonous snakes and giant catfish that have been known to swallow dogs and children. Old Dogs Can Rock – Mickey Carroll has quite a unique approach to music these days. Back in the 1950s, when he released his first record, being a star was all about ego. And he had reasons to have an ego. He was one half of the doo-wop duo Billy and Mickey, the first white duo to be played on black radio. Now 70, Mickey says he’s found a more rewarding role — musical community activist. Find out what that is and how he’s making a difference in many lives in his community. Boomer Babes – They say the view is better when you’re the lead dog. That’s one reason why more and more women aren’t satisfied with just being a passenger on a motorcycle. They want control, and they’re getting it.

Please join KLRU’s Overheard with Evan Smith for an interview with David Cross
DATE: November 4
TIME: 1 p.m. (Doors open at 12:30 p.m.)
LOCATION: KLRU’s Studio 6A (map).
The event is free but an RSVP is required. RSVP now

Actor, comedian and writer David Cross is known for his work in both movies and on television. He’s appeared regularly on both Arrested Development and the sketch comedy series Mr. Show, and has also played parts in Strangers with Candy, Aqua Teen Hunger Force and Modern Family. He also has a recurring spot on The Colbert Report, where he has played the part of a liberal radio host from Madison. His movie roles include Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Kung Fu Panda.

We hope you’ll be there as Overheard with Evan Smith begins a third season of great conversation with fascinating people, always on the news and always with a sense of humor. The show features in-depth interviews with a mix of guests from politics, the arts, literature, journalism, business, sports and more, and reaches PBS viewers from California to Florida. We’d love to see you in the studio for the interview, and for a chance to join the audience Q&A after the interview.

Lonesome George and the Battle For The Galapagos at 7 pm
George, as he is affectionately known, is a national hero and an emblem of the ongoing struggle to preserve the unique nature of the Galapagos Islands. This special film tells George’s story against the backdrop of the bigger conservation issues faced by these beautiful islands. George’s loneliness is all part of a far bigger picture. The Pinta tortoise has been heavily hunted, and the islands have long been invaded by non-native species which push out the local wildlife. Even tourists, who come here partly to see the famous George, have added to the problems. There is an enormous struggle going on to restore the islands’ unique biodiversity, but not everyone loves George: local fishermen who want to protect their rights to fish in Galapagos’ protected waters have seized on him as a focus for their frustrations; meanwhile conservation efforts need to be balanced with an economy based on letting

NOVA “Mystery of Easter Island” at 8 pm
A remote, bleak speck of rock in the middle of the Pacific, Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, has mystified the world ever since the first Europeans arrived in 1722. How and why did the ancient islanders build and move nearly 900 giant statues or moai, weighing up to 86 tons? And how did they transform a presumed paradise into a treeless wasteland, bringing ruin upon their island and themselves? NOVA explores controversial recent claims that challenge decades of previous thinking about the islanders, who have been accused of everything from ecocide to cannibalism. Among the radical new theories is that the islanders used ropes to “walk” the statues upright, like moving a fridge. With the help of an accurate 15-ton replica statue, a NOVA team sets out to test this high-risk, seemingly unlikely theory.

NOVA ScienceNow “What Are Animals Thinking?” at 9 pm
Have you ever wondered what’s going on inside an animal’s head? How do they see the world — and us? Is your dog really feeling guilty when it gives you that famous “guilty look?” Do pigeon brains possess “superpowers” that allow them to find their way home across hundreds of unfamiliar miles? David Pogue meets — and competes — with a menagerie of smart critters that challenge preconceived notions about what makes “us” different from “them” expanding our understanding of how animals really think.

On Nature at 6 pm Sunday, scientists from around the world share their thoughts and work to help explore the scientific theory that in an effort to outwit raccoons, we are actually making them smarter and unwittingly contributing to their evolutionary success.

Call The Midwife at 7 pm Sunday and 9 pm Saturday finds Sister Monica Joan in trouble with the law, causing a frenzy within the Nonnatus House community.

On Masterpiece Classic Presents: Upstairs Downstairs, Series 2 at 8 pm Sunday, 165 Eaton Place prepares for the annual servants’ ball while Sir Hallam is about to discover just how destructive his actions have been.

Independent Lens at 9 pm Monday presents “Solar Mamas.” The documentary follows a 30-year-old Jordanian mother as she travels outside of her village for the first time to attend Barefoot College’s solar engineering program. Once there, she will join women like her from Guatemala, Kenya, Burkina Faso and Colombia to learn concrete skills to change their communities.

Lonesome George And The Battle For The Galapagos at 7 pm Wednesday depicts the life of a national hero and an emblem of the ongoing struggle to preserve the unique nature of the Galapagos Islands.

NOVA at 8 pm Wednesday explores controversial recent claims that challenge decades of previous thinking about the ancient inhabitants of Easter Island, who have been accused of everything from ecocide to cannibalism, in “Mystery of Easter Island.”

NOVA ScienceNOW at 9 pm Wednesday follows New York Times tech reporter David Pogue as he meets with a menagerie of smart critters that challenge preconceived notions about what makes “us” different from “them” in “What Are Animals Thinking?”

Jeffrey Toobin discusses his newest book which explores the complicated relationship between the Obama administration and the Roberts court on Overheard with Evan Smith at 7 pm Thursday.

Arts In Context at 7:30 pm Thursday goes on a journey into the art of puppetry as the Trouble Puppet Theater produces one of their unique plays led by creative director and master puppeteer Connor Hopkins.

Accentuated by stunning imagery of America’s largest military base, Operation Appreciation at 8 pm Thursday follows volunteers as they collect cookies, brownies and doughnuts from local stores, and baked goods made by people in the community to distribute at the Fort Hood Army base.

The Daytripper at 8:30 pm Thursday follows Chet as he travels to Dripping Springs, TX to eat at a Belgium bakery, swim in Hamilton Pool, climb Reimer’s Ranch, and polish the day off at Salt Lick.

POV at 9 pm Thursday presents a look at a new generation of Americans struggling to be both Native and modern in “Up Heartbreak Hill.”

Chihuly Outside at 9 pm Friday chronicles nearly half a century of Dale Chihuly’s epic outdoor installations, ranging from his first experiments with floating glass on water to his most recent work at the foot of Seattle’s iconic Space Needle.

Designer Diana Kirby illustrates how new gardeners turned old yards into gardens on Central Texas Gardener at noon Saturday. On tour, a couple renovates a neglected yard.

Austin City Limits Presents: Americana Music Festival 2012 at 7 pm Saturday features selected performances from the Americana Music Festival in Nashville, including Bonnie Raitt, Richard Thompson, Alabama Shakes and more.

KLRU Q Night at the Movies spotlights a classic film on select Saturday nights at 8 p.m. This month’s feature films will be:

11/3– Hound of the Baskervilles
When a nobleman is threatened by a family curse on his newly inherited estate, Sherlock Holmes (Peter Cushing) is hired to investigate. Cast: Peter Cushing, Andre Morell, Christopher Lee.

11/10 – Rocky
A small time boxer (Sylvester Stallone) gets a once in a lifetime chance to fight the heavyweight champ in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect. Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burgess Meredith.

11/24 – A Walk In The Clouds
A married chocolate salesman (Keanu Reeves) agrees to pose for a day as the new husband of a pregnant vineyard heiress (Aitana Sanchez-Gijon) in postwar California. Cast: Keanu Reeves, Aitana Sanchez-Gijon, Anthony Quinn.